Group 1 - St. Louis Federal Reserve President Alberto Musalem predicts a gradual cooling of the job market and downplays long-term inflation concerns, potentially paving the way for interest rate cuts this fall [1][2] - Musalem expressed concerns about the labor market, noting that any increase in layoffs could lead to more significant weakness, especially with recent employment data showing downward revisions [1][2] - He estimates that the U.S. economy now only needs to create 30,000 to 80,000 jobs per month to meet population growth needs, down from over 100,000 in previous years [2] Group 2 - Other Federal Reserve officials, including Governor Chris Waller, support the idea of rate cuts due to concerns about a weakening job market [2][3] - Waller anticipates multiple rate cuts in the next three to six months to reach a neutral interest rate of 3% [3] - Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic acknowledges the need for rate cuts due to signs of a cooling job market, suggesting a potential reduction of around 25 basis points [3]

美联储理事沃勒：我已经明确表示，我认为下次会议应该降息。希望在劳动力市场下行前行动。我预计 未来几个月将有多次降息。通胀预期锚定。10年期美国国债收益率在某种程度上已被锚定。降息不必拘 泥于固定的连续节奏。关税不会导致长期通胀。通胀率将在6-7个月的时间里开始回归2%。我们可以随 时调整降息的步伐。我其他同事的中性利率要高得多。 ...

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve Governor Waller advocates for starting interest rate cuts this month, with multiple reductions expected in the next three to six months, depending on future economic data [1][2] - Waller emphasizes that while the direction for rate cuts is clear, the pace and extent will be determined by economic indicators, suggesting a potential reduction of 100 to 150 basis points to reach a neutral rate [2] - The current economic backdrop shows a cooling labor market with significant employment growth slowdown, while inflation pressures persist, particularly from rising service prices, keeping inflation above the Fed's 2% target [3] Group 2 - Waller expresses confidence that inflation will trend downwards after short-term disruptions, potentially returning to the Fed's target within six to seven months, despite acknowledging widespread concerns about inflation risks from tariffs [3] - Waller has been a long-time advocate for rate cuts, previously dissenting against the decision to maintain rates in July, favoring a 25 basis point reduction [3] - Waller also addresses speculation regarding his potential candidacy for the next Fed Chair position, indicating past discussions with Treasury Secretary Yellen but no current interviews scheduled [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve, under Chairman Powell, is managing U.S. interest rates effectively despite political pressures, but there is room for improvement in its broader monetary policy framework [1][2]. Group 1: Interest Rate Policy - Powell indicated that the Federal Reserve will consider a 25 basis point cut in short-term interest rates at the September policy meeting, with a nearly 90% probability of a rate cut, contingent on upcoming employment data [1]. - The Fed's current monetary policy is in a "restrictive range," and risks of a weakening labor market may emerge quickly, while inflation expectations remain stable [1]. Group 2: Monetary Policy Framework - The Fed has reverted to a "symmetric average inflation targeting" approach, treating inflation above and below the target equally, aiming for maximum employment consistent with price stability [2]. - The adjustments restore the Fed's proactive ability to address inflation risks exceeding the 2% target and balance employment and price stability goals more equitably [2]. Group 3: Communication and Policy Implementation - The Fed needs to improve its communication regarding economic outlooks and potential responses, moving beyond marginal adjustments to include detailed staff forecasts with alternative scenarios [3]. - A cost-benefit framework is necessary for guiding the use of quantitative tightening tools, as the costs of the previous quantitative easing program exceeded $500 billion [2].

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is aware that it is moving towards a neutral interest rate level, with the main question being the speed of reaching that level [1] Group 1 - The Federal Reserve's Waller emphasizes the importance of understanding the pace at which the neutral interest rate is approached [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's Williams indicated that if the neutral interest rate is around 1% or slightly lower, the current rates are in a restrictive zone [1] Group 1 - The neutral interest rate is a critical benchmark for monetary policy, suggesting that current rates may be limiting economic growth [1] - Williams' comments reflect ongoing concerns about the impact of interest rates on the economy, particularly in relation to inflation and growth [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts, emphasizing concerns about persistent inflation despite market expectations for a rate decrease in September [2][6][11]. Summary by Sections Federal Reserve's Interest Rate Outlook - Market speculation suggests a 90% probability of a rate cut in September, but Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee expresses concerns about inflation not being fully under control [2][5]. - Current U.S. benchmark interest rates are between 4.25% and 4.5%, with ongoing debates about the Fed's monetary policy direction [5][6]. Inflation Concerns - Goolsbee highlights that inflation has remained above target for over four years, with recent signs of rising service sector prices indicating that inflationary pressures may still exist [6][10]. - He warns against the "temporary inflation" narrative that misled experts in 2021, stressing the importance of addressing underlying inflation risks [6][10]. Employment Market Stability - Goolsbee presents the "four horsemen" indicators (unemployment rate, hiring rate, layoff rate, and job vacancy rate) to illustrate that the U.S. job market remains stable [6][9]. - The latest unemployment rate stands at 4.2%, indicating a low level of unemployment post-COVID [9]. Market Reactions and Financial Conditions - The article notes that despite claims of tight monetary policy, financial conditions appear loose, with stock markets reaching new highs [9][10]. - Goolsbee cautions that premature rate cuts could lead to a repeat of past mistakes, particularly regarding the impact of tariffs on long-term price levels [10][11]. Long-term Interest Rate Expectations - The article discusses the shift in perceptions of the "neutral interest rate," suggesting that higher long-term rates may persist due to rising fiscal deficits and global debt levels [10][11]. - Investors are advised to be cautious with long-duration bonds and to reassess stock valuations, especially for high-growth, interest-sensitive stocks [10][11]. Investment Strategies - The article suggests that investors should seek structural opportunities amid macroeconomic uncertainties, rather than following market trends blindly [11][12]. - A stable job market could support consumer spending, indicating potential resilience in certain sectors [11][12].

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve is engaged in a heated debate regarding the neutral interest rate (r-star) amidst challenges of weakening economic momentum and liquidity management [1][2] - New York Fed President John Williams indicated that structural factors limiting long-term interest rates remain strong, suggesting that the natural equilibrium rate of the U.S. economy is still hovering at pre-pandemic lows [1][2] - The current target range for the federal funds rate is maintained at 4.25%-4.5%, with median forecasts for the neutral rate around 3%, reflecting significant internal divergence among policymakers [2] Group 2 - Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged that employment concerns have become a key consideration, opening the door for a potential rate cut in September due to rising unemployment [3] - The Fed's balance sheet reduction process is entering a critical phase, with Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan warning of potential temporary pressures in the money market [4] - The current reserve balance in the banking system stands at $3.3 trillion, indicating substantial room before reaching the estimated "minimum adequate level" of $2.7 trillion [4] Group 3 - Lorie Logan emphasized the need for reform in communication mechanisms within the Fed, proposing changes to the presentation of the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) to enhance policy transparency [5] - Analysts predict that the Fed will face three major challenges in the coming months: the debate over the magnitude of rate cuts due to differing views on neutral rates, precision in liquidity management during the balance sheet reduction phase, and maintaining policy continuity amid leadership transitions [6] Group 4 - Goldman Sachs' chief economist expects the Fed may implement an unconventional 50 basis point cut in September if the labor market deteriorates faster than anticipated [7] - UBS Wealth Management's investment director highlighted two critical moments for investors to watch: the September FOMC meeting's guidance on rate cuts and market reactions when reserve levels exceed $3 trillion in the fourth quarter [7]

Core Viewpoint - The discussion around "R-Star," or the neutral interest rate, highlights a significant divergence in views within the Federal Reserve regarding future monetary policy and economic conditions [1][3]. Group 1: Neutral Interest Rate Perspectives - John Williams, the President of the New York Fed, suggests that the neutral interest rate in the U.S. may remain low for an extended period [1]. - There is a contrasting view that the global economy has fundamentally changed post-pandemic, potentially leading to a permanently higher neutral interest rate due to factors like supply chain restructuring and rising inflation [3]. - Williams argues that long-term determinants of interest rates, such as aging populations and weak investment demand, continue to exert downward pressure on rates [3]. Group 2: Implications for Monetary Policy - If Williams' perspective holds, it implies that once inflation stabilizes around the 2% target, the Fed may have grounds to lower interest rates, possibly even to historically low levels near zero [3][4]. - This viewpoint provides a theoretical framework for a future return to low interest rates, suggesting that the current restrictive rate levels may not be sustainable [4]. - However, Williams emphasizes the uncertainty in estimating the neutral interest rate and advises against over-reliance on specific numerical values, framing it instead as a conceptual anchor for broader economic judgment [4]. Group 3: Economic Structure and Future Outlook - The ongoing debate about R-Star reflects deeper considerations about the future shape of the economy, with Williams' stance indicating that the structural impacts of the pandemic have not altered the underlying economic landscape [4]. - The macroeconomic environment is expected to continue facing low growth and low interest rates, reinforcing the notion that the economy is still in a low-rate era [4].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. economy's neutral interest rate may not differ significantly from pre-pandemic levels, as structural factors that suppressed rates have not disappeared [2][3]. Group 1: Neutral Interest Rate Insights - Williams stated that the global trends in population and productivity growth that previously lowered the neutral rate (r*) have not reversed [3]. - The estimated neutral interest rate for early 2025 shows no significant rebound, indicating that the era of low r* is far from over [3]. - The Federal Reserve's median estimate for the neutral rate is currently at 3%, higher than the pre-pandemic level of 2.5%, with a range between 2.5% and nearly 4% [3]. Group 2: Monetary Policy and Rate Decisions - Market consensus indicates an over 80% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut in September, with upcoming data likely to influence the trajectory of future rate cuts [4]. - Analysts speculate that the median dot plot for 2025 may suggest only two rate cuts for the year, but changes in risk dynamics could lead to a downward adjustment in the median point, indicating a total cut of 75 basis points by year-end [4]. - Williams previously indicated that a moderate restrictive monetary policy stance is appropriate due to inflation threats from tariffs [4].